You are here:

Bioidentical Hormones

Topic Overview

Bioidentical hormones are made in
a laboratory. They are based on compounds found in plants (usually soybeans or
wild yams).

After the plant-based hormone is
processed, its structure is said to be identical to the
estrogen,
progesterone, or
androgen hormone your body makes. (Well-designed
studies have yet to prove this theory.footnote 1) A compounding
pharmacist can offer you a custom-made formulation in one of many forms. You might get a capsule, a skin cream or gel, a tablet to dissolve under your tongue,
a suppository, or a nose spray. Some commonly prescribed estrogens and
progesterones are bioidenticals, such as Estrace (estradiol). There's a major difference between custom-made formulations and commercial products. Commercial products are
regulated and tested for purity and potency, but compounding pharmacies are not.

Just like synthetic hormone therapy, bioidentical hormones
are prescribed to increase or stabilize a woman's hormone levels.
This is most often done during perimenopause, when hormone levels change
unpredictably. It's also done after menopause, when the hormones drop to low levels.

The most important fact to remember about taking bioidentical hormones is that the risks are not yet well understood. They may have the same breast cancer, stroke, blood clot, heart disease, and dementia risks that synthetic hormone therapy has.footnote 1

Related Information

References

Citations

North American Menopause Society (2012). The 2012 hormone therapy position statement
of the North American Menopause Society. Menopause, 19(3): 257–271. DOI:
10.1097/gme.0b013e31824b970a. Accessed April 18, 2016.

North American Menopause Society (2012). The 2012 hormone therapy position statement
of the North American Menopause Society. Menopause, 19(3): 257–271. DOI:
10.1097/gme.0b013e31824b970a. Accessed April 18, 2016.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.